Penalty points to reduce accidents

The government is working on its intrduction and the tender for the purchase of a server, which will cost around Rs 6 million, will be launched soon.

This project was mentioned sometime ago, but due to some reasons the government could not go forward. However, following the fatal accident which occurred in the beginning of the year at St Julien d’Hotman, the government has decided to go ahead with this project.

A senior police officer stated that the penalty point system will be applied in the country before the end of the year. The objective is to reduce the number of road accidents.

He stated that officers of the Traffic Road Management Safety Unit (TRMSU), National Transport Authority (NTA) and two officers from Ministry of Transportation were working on the project.

The penalty point system is part of an educational measure, which aims to avoid infringement and its recurrence.

It meets the goal of prevention by making drivers more responsible and punishing those who transgress road traffic rules. The loss of points is a warning that will make the driver aware of the need to drive responsibly.

It represents a link in a system of gradual access to driving in a real educational process. The driving licence is credited with a maximum of 12 points. The total loss of points will cancel the driving licence. The person loses his right to drive and is also prohibited from obtaining a new licence before six months.

When the driver obtains a new driving licence, it will be on a trial period with a maximum of six points.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure had announced the introduction of penalty points in 2010 but the project will be implemented this year.

If during an accident the person is found to be under the influence of alcohol they will be severely punished.